Nkosemntu Nika, who farms in the Winterberg near Tarkastad in the Eastern Cape, is the first black Eastern Cape farmer to become a Brangus stud breeder. Mike Burgess spoke to him about his journey from farmworker’s son to the sale of his first ZK Brangus stud bull for R50 000 at the 2018 East Cape Brangus Sale.
“Meat Wagon (ZK 15 41) was the first stud bull I sold to introduce myself to the market,” says Nkosemntu Nika (62) of the 1 980ha farm, Fairfield.
The farm is less than 10km away from the King family farm, Highland Home, where Nika’s father, Mtinteli, worked as a stockman for the late Jim and Noreen King. And it was at Highland Home where Nika spent his early childhood before leaving for schooling in Tarkastad and then Lady Frere.
“During holidays I’d be back with my father amongst the cattle,” he says. “I got interested in livestock that way.”
Today, his association with the Kings continues in the form of Jim and Noreen’s son and grandson, Barry and Llewellyn, owners of the Bottelgat Black Brangus Stud. They provide Brangus genetics and advice to Nika, who farms 220 black and red Brangus breeding cows, of which 80 are registered stud cows.
FROM THE FARM TO THE CITY, AND BACK
Nika’s journey to stud breeder was by no means straightforward. He spent more than 35 years in the corporate world before returning to his own Winterberg livestock farm in 2012.
The foundation of his career in the city was laid by an excellent education at a farm school in the Winterberg, which eventually resulted in a chartered accounting qualification in 1987. The school’s strong focus on mathematics changed the trajectory of Nika’s life. By the time he arrived at a Tarkastad township school in Grade 5 and then later at the Freemantle Boys’ High School near Lady Frere in the former Transkei, he was able to blossom, and it wasn’t surprising that he earned a matric with university exemption. Disappointingly, there were no funds to attend university, so Nika’s father approached the Kings, who arranged funding for a BCom at the University of Fort Hare in the former Ciskei.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Review: the Toyota Hilux 2.8GD-6 DC 4×4 GR-Sport III
The third iteration of the Hilux GR-Sport has finally achieved a sense of presence and style befitting its raceinspired branding. But is this the ultimate modern Hilux? Car Magazine takes a closer look.
Why maize prices soar in Kenya and Malawi but not Tanzania
Namhla Landani, an economist at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, and Arthur Khomotso Mahuma, economist and researcher at the Centre for Competition, Regulation and Economic Development, University of Johannesburg, analyse the issue.
Wet carcass syndrome: a scourge in SA sheep farming
Wet carcass syndrome continues to take a huge financial toll on South African sheep farmers. Octavia Avesca Spandiel spoke to two experts about the ongoing genetic research aimed at addressing this issue.
Pollination innovation
Bee-Tech Group is transforming South African agriculture with pollination technologies that boost crop yields and enhance sustainability. Founder Michiel Bruggeman spoke to Octavia Avesca Spandiel.
The valuable addition that makes this farm tick
Owning the value chain provides farmers with far more control over their produce. However, it requires a fine balance between production and ensuring there is a strong and steady market. Lindi Botha visited Rosemary Hill to find out how this essential oil producer leverages hospitality to make the farm viable.
The benefits of recirculating aquaculture systems
A powerful set of attributes has established recirculating aquaculture systems as a cornerstone of global temperate fish farming, writes Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions.
Minister has big plans for emerging and commercial farmers
DA leader and Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen spoke to Glenneis Kriel about his priorities for his department over the next five years, including an increased focus on biosecurity.
New study aims to make wheat more disease resistant
A recent international study explains how bread wheat has helped to transform the ancient world on its path to becoming the iconic crop that today helps sustain a global population of eight billion.
Conservation farming and biodiversity boost soil health and sustainability
A recent academic event focused on research into the links between soil biodiversity, soil health and sustainable agriculture
What has led to the unparalleled rice shortage in Japan?
Japan is facing a rice shortage amid concerns about a potential 'megaquake', several typhoons and an annual week-long holiday, which has led to an increase in panic buying.